Prescription

Definition

Prescription typically denotes a formal instruction, often from a medical professional, regarding the provision of medicine or treatment.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/
• Respelling: prih-SKRIP-shuhn (with "prih" as in "prism," "SKRIP" as in "script," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prɪˈskrɪpʃən/
• Respelling: prih-SKRIP-shuhn (similar to American English, with "prih" as in "prism," "SKRIP" as in "script," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

In both dialects, "prescription" is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable, "SKRIP." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, clearly articulating the word with emphasis on the "SKRIP" part.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "praescriptio," stemming from "praescribere," which means "to write beforehand." "Prae-" translates to "before" and "-scribere" means "to write." Initially, it referred to a rule or order that was written down.

Derivatives

• Prescriptive
• Non-prescription
• Prescriber
• Prescription-only
• Over-the-counter (in contrast to prescription)

Synonyms

• Order
• Direction
• Command

Antonyms

• Proscription
• Over-the-counter
• None

Usage

"Prescription" is most frequently associated with medical contexts, indicating a doctor's written direction for the dispensing and use of medication. Outside of medicine, it can refer to any authoritative or official recommendation or direction.

Related Terms

• Medication
• Pharmacist
• Dispense
• Dosage
• Prescription pad

Detailed Definition

Noun

• (Medicine) A written instruction from a doctor, dentist, etc., giving authorization for a patient to be issued with a medicine or treatment.
• Example: "She went to the pharmacy to fill her prescription."

• An authoritative recommendation or directive; a stated guideline.
• Example: "The prescription for success includes hard work and determination."

• (Law) A right established by long custom rather than a written title.
• Example: "They claimed the land through prescription after decades of use."

• A specified procedure or routine for a course of treatment.
• Example: "The doctor provided a prescription for improving overall cardiovascular health."